Apparatuses and methods that facilitate the transfer of power and information among electrical devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer readable media that can facilitate the transfer of power between at least two electrical devices. At least one of the electrical devices is preferably a battery operated device. The present invention may also be used to facilitate the transfer of information among electrical devices. For example, the present invention may be used to automatically pair two Bluetooth devices together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to transferring power and information amongelectrical devices. More particularly, this invention facilitates thetransfer of power and information from one electrical device to at leastone other electrical device.

Portable electrical devices are an everyday part of life in today'ssociety. Among other things, portable electrical devices, such as iPods,PDAs and cell phones, provide entertainment, improve productivity andenable communication. Some devices can be used to provide additionalfunctionality to another device. For example, a cellular telephone canenable a laptop computer to access the Internet. Other electricaldevices are specifically designed to be an accessory device thatenhances the functionality of a device. For example, a wirelessBluetooth headset enhances the use of a cellular telephone by allowingusers to have a hands-free, wireless conversation through their cellulartelephone.

As a result, many people often carry a number of personal electricaldevices with them. It is not uncommon for people to have a cellulartelephone, wireless headset and digital media device, like Apple's ipod,when they leave their homes.

Most portable electrical devices are powered by a rechargeable battery.Despite advancements in battery technology, many users often wish thatthe battery in their portable devices lasted longer. Another problem isthat, frequently, each portable device has its own charger, which mustbe carried around. Inevitably, most users are left in a situation whereone device has power, but the device that is needed at the moment doesnot. If the user does not have the right charger available, the user isout of luck.

In addition to carrying around more electrical devices, electricaldevices are becoming more complex which causes a number ofinconveniences to the user. For example, many different types ofportable electrical devices can now be linked together using a number ofdifferent wired or wireless standards and/or protocols. Some of thesestandards and/or protocols, such as the Bluetooth standards, require theuser to reconfigure the devices each time it is used to communicate witha new device (often referred to as “pairing”)). The configurations canrequire, for example, that at least one of the devices is identified tothe other device in some manner. For example, the pairing of a universalremote control with a particular electrical device (e.g., TV, cable box,etc.) requires the user to follow a series of steps, one of whichincludes entering a code that represents the brand and type of thedevice. This pairing process is the cause of great frustration amongmany users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, apparatuses,systems, methods, and computer readable media are discussed herein thatcan facilitate the transfer of power and information between at leasttwo electrical devices. One or more of the electrical devices can be aportable, battery operated device. In the embodiments of the presentinvention that accommodate at least three devices, it is preferable thatat least one of the devices has access to a reliable, continuous sourceof power (such as, for example, a wall power outlet).

It is preferred to have the devices electrically coupled to the ports ofan apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.The ports and other components of the apparatus can allow each of thedevices coupled to the apparatus to be electrically coupled to at leastone of the other devices.

Once the devices are electrically coupled together (via the apparatus),the apparatus's processor or microcontroller can facilitate the transferof information and/or power among the devices. The transfer ofinformation can, for example, allow two of the devices coupled to theapparatus to be automatically paired in accordance with a Bluetoothprotocol. The transfer of power among the devices can, for example,allow at least one device to charge at least one other device. The powerfrom at least one of the devices can also be used to operate theapparatus and execute the automatic steps of methods described belowthat are in accordance with the present invention.

The devices can be assigned a priority (e.g., low, medium or high),which the present invention considers, among other things, whentransferring power to and from each device. In at least one embodiment,the priority assigned to each device is based on which port the deviceis coupled to. The devices assigned a lower priority provide power andthe devices assigned a higher priority receive power. Medium prioritydevices can receive and/or provide power in different situations. Inalternative embodiments, the microcontroller can assign a priority toeach device in response to the microcontroller identifying the device'stype (as opposed to identifying the port that the device is coupled to).

In addition to the components mentioned above, the present invention canalso employ, for example, one or more switches, a regulator, a boost,and various connectors (e.g., single wires, multi-wire busses, nodes,etc.). All of the components of the present invention can be supervisedand controlled by the microcontroller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to likeparts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative system that incorporates the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an illustrativeembodiment of circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of an illustrativealternative embodiment of circuitry in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a simplified flow chart of an illustrative mode ofoperation of circuitry of the type shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIGS. 5-7 show illustrative systems that incorporate the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 8-15 show simplified flow charts of illustrative modes ofoperation of circuitry of the type shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is directed to apparatuses, systems, methods andcomputer readable media that can facilitate the charging of a battery ofat least one device as well as the transfer of information amongdifferent types of devices and platforms. The following is a descriptionof various apparatuses and methods that can be used in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates docking station 100, which is electrically coupled tothree devices. The three devices are iMac 102, cellular telephone 104and wireless headset 106. Docking station 100 enables information andpower to be exchanged among the devices. In at least one embodiment,docking station 100 communicates, identifies and authenticates eachdevice before power is transferred to or from each device. Dockingstation 100 can also be used to facilitate the transfer of additionalinformation among the devices.

Although the present inventions described below generally relate toportable, battery powered devices, iMac 102 is a line-powered devicewhich receives power from a power cord and requires no batteries. Otherexamples of line-powered devices include devices that receive powerfrom, for example, a solar panel, a generator, or any means other than abattery.

Cellular telephone 104 and wireless headset 106 are portable, batterypowered devices. Battery powered devices, as referred to herein, includedevices that have a self contained battery or draw power from a batterylocated externally to the device. Docking station 100 can, for example,facilitate the charging of the battery of wireless headset 106 withpower that is from the battery of cellular telephone 104. Similarly,power from iMac 102 can be used to charge cellular telephone 104 and/orwireless headset 106. In some embodiments, wireless headset 106 is thesame or substantially similar to the wireless headset discussed incommonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,177,filed Jan. 6, 2007 entitled “Wireless Headset” and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/879,195, filed Jan. 6, 2007, entitled“Connector with Magnetic Detent”, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative of one way thepresent invention may be implemented. Additional configurations of adocking system that may be used to charge and transfer information to anelectronic accessory (such as a wireless headset) from anotherelectronic device (such as a cellular phone) are discussed in the Ser.No. 60/879,177 Application. Many other possible configurations for theinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the disclosure contained herein. The description of FIGS.2-15, like FIG. 1, will therefore be understood to be illustrative andnot limiting.

FIG. 2 a simplified schematic block diagram of circuitry that is locatedin apparatus 200. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 is substantiallysimilar to docking station 100 of FIG. 1. Apparatus 200 is typically(although not necessarily) implemented using a single integratedcircuit. Alternatively, apparatus 200 could be implemented, for example,using a multi-chip module including two or more separate integratedcircuits.

Apparatus 200 can include port 202, port 204, and port 206, which enabledevices 208, 210 and 212 to be coupled to apparatus 200. Devices 208,210 and 212, which are discussed further below, can be similar to or thesame as iMac 102, cellular telephone 104 and wireless headset 106,respectively. Apparatus 200 can also include microcontroller 214, line216, line 218, switch 220, input 222, output 224, output 226, switch228, line 230, line 232, line 234, output 236, line 238, boost 240 andregulator 242, which are also discussed in more detail below.

Ports 202, 204 and 206 are electrically coupled together by connections(i.e., wires, nodes, etc.) and/or other components of apparatus 200 thatare described herein. Ports 202, 204 and 206 can be any type of port(e.g., wireless or wired), including those that receive any type ofphysical connector that can be used to couple apparatus 200 to any typeof device, apparatus, cable, and/or component of a device or otherapparatus. Ports 202, 204 and 206 can, for example, be used to coupleeither a male or female connector to apparatus 200. For example, port202 can be a female USB connector, port 204 can be a male 30-pinconnector, and port 206 can be symmetrical 4-pin connector, such as theconnector described in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application. For example,as discussed in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application, port 202 can havemagnetic properties and each of the four pins (referred to as contactsin the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application) are about 0.7 millimeters wideand are equally spaced about 1.0 millimeter apart. An exemplary 30-pinconnector and an exemplary four pin connector are illustrated in FIG. 6c.

In alternative embodiments, ports 202, 204 and/or 206 can be removed andother ports (not shown) inserted. This would allow apparatus 200 to becoupled with various combinations of devices and/or cables. For example,if port 202 is a female USB connector, port 202 can be removed andreplaced by a port that is a male USB connector (or any other type ofconnector).

One skilled in the art will also appreciate that there can be any numberof ports included in apparatus 200. Despite FIG. 2 showing apparatus 200as including three ports, an apparatus in accordance with the principlesof the present invention can include more or less than three ports,thereby allowing any number of devices to be coupled to the apparatus atany given time. In embodiments where the apparatus includes only oneport (discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 7 a and 7b), the apparatus may also include its own source of power, such asbattery, solar panel, etc.

In alternative embodiments, apparatus 200 could facilitate the exchangeof information and power among devices that are not physically coupledto apparatus 200. As such, devices can be electrically coupled toapparatus 200 wirelessly and information and/or power can be wirelesslyexchanged through ports 202, 204 and/or 206.

The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2 shows device 208 coupled to port202, device 210 coupled to port 204, and device 212 coupled to port 206.Devices 208, 210 and 212 can be any battery powered or line-powereddevice. For example, devices 208, 210 and 212 can be any type ofportable, fixed, and/or mobile device, including but not limited to alaptop computer, a desktop computer, an audio player (e.g., walkman,compact disc player, etc.), a video player, a media player (e.g.,Apple's iPod, etc.), a set top box, a portable video game system (e.g.,Sony's PSP, Nintendo's Game Boy, etc.), an electronic book, a cellulartelephone, wireless telephone, a hand held computer, a GPS device, aflashlight, a personal digital assistant (PDA) (e.g., Palm's Pilot,etc.), a wireless headset for a telephone, a satellite radio, a remotecontrol, an automobile key fob, a printer, an automobile radio, anautomobile computing system, an automobile cigarette lighter (or othermobile power source, such as an airplane cigarette lighter), a camera,an accessory devices for a computer (e.g., wireless mouse, wirelesskeyboard, etc.), a watch, a surge protector, an AC/DC converter, etc.

Devices 208, 210 and 212 can also be any device that can serve as asource of power such as, for example, one or more batteries, agenerator, a solar panel, a cable (USB cable, serial cable, FireWire,power cord, etc.), a capacitor, an inductor, or any other electrical ormechanical device (such as a winding device) that can be used to provideelectricity to apparatus 200. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, at least two of devices 208, 210 and 212 are portable,battery powered devices.

In one embodiment, apparatus 200 includes microcontroller 214.Microcontroller 214 can use control lines (not shown) to communicatewith any other component of apparatus 200 (described below) and/or anydevice coupled to apparatus 200 (e.g., devices 208, 210 and 212). Insome embodiments, each control line can be a multiple-wire bus, whichallows microcontroller 214 to communicate more efficiently with thecomponents of apparatus 200 and devices 208, 210 and 212.

Microcontroller 214 can also include or have access to one or morecomputer readable media. Microcontroller 214 can provide intelligence toapparatus 200 by, for example, controlling the flow of power to and fromports 202, 204 and 206, communicating with the devices 208, 210 and 212via the appropriate lines and ports (which are discussed further below),facilitating communications among devices 208, 210 and 212, determininghow many and what types of devices are coupled to apparatus 200,prioritizing the devices that are coupled to apparatus 200, andmonitoring the entire system for faults.

Microcontroller 214 can control the power transferred among devices 208,210 and 212 by, for example, controlling the flow of power to and fromports 202, 204 and 206. When devices 208 and 210 are coupled toapparatus 200, microcontroller 214 can cause power to be transferredfrom device 208 to device 210 (and vice versa). The transferred powercan be used to, e.g., charge the battery of device 210, to allow device210 to operate more efficiently, to allow device 208 to communicate withdevice 210 (or vice versa), etc. Microcontroller 214 can also controlthe transfer of power from, for example, device 208 to device 212 (andvice versa), device 210 to device 212 (and vice versa), device 208 todevices 210 and 212 (and vice versa), and device 210 to devices 208 and212 (and vice versa), and from device 212 to devices 210 and 212 (andvice versa). Methods for transferring power among multiple devices,which are in accordance with the present invention, are discussed inmore detail below in connection with, for example, FIGS. 7-14.

Microcontroller 214 can use a communications path (which are discussedfurther below) to negotiate the transfer of powers among the devices.Negotiating the transfer of power involves determining how much powershould be provided to and/or from a device and can involve, for example,resetting a device. In some embodiments, microcontroller 214 can performa hard reset on a device, which restarts the hardware of the device,and/or a soft reset that restarts the software of a device. One skilledin the art would appreciate that any other type reset can also beperformed (such as a reset that resets the polarity of the ports of adevice).

In addition to resetting a device, negotiating the transfer of power caninclude other communications between microcontroller 214 and a device.For example, after microcontroller 214 identifies a device (which isdiscussed further below), microcontroller 214 may communicate with thedevice in order to place the device in a high power mode. The high powermode can be unique to a particular device and will allow a device togive more power to one or more other devices. For example, some ipodshave a high power mode that allows the ipod to output a given voltage ata higher current (compared to when the device is in a default mode).Some devices only enter a high power mode after the appropriatehandshaking (i.e., identification, authentication, etc.) occurs.

Microcontroller 214 can consider any number of variables in determiningwhich devices provide power and which receive power. For example,microcontroller 214 can base that determination on the priority of theports of apparatus 200 (which is discussed below in more detail inconnection with, for example, FIGS. 8-15) or the priority of the devices(which is discussed below).

Microcontroller 214 can also determine which devices give and receivepower based on, for example, the amount of excess power each device hasavailable. For example, microcontroller 214 can transfer power from thedevice(s) with more excess power to the device(s) with less excesspower. To gauge the amount of excess power a device has, microcontroller214 can consider, for example, the remaining battery power, the lengthof time a battery powered device can run before the battery needs to becharged, and/or whether or not a device is coupled to another source ofpower (such as a wall outlet, a large back-up battery, a generator, asolar panel, etc.).

Microcontroller 214 can also, for example, direct the flow of powerthrough apparatus 200 in response to receiving a user indication via auser interface. The user can, for example, select one or more physicalbuttons on apparatus 200 (not shown). Microcontroller 214 may alsodirect the flow of power in response to interactions the user has withthe user interface(s) of device(s) 208, 210 and/or 212 (not shown).

In addition to controlling the power provided and received by eachdevice coupled to apparatus 200, microcontroller 214 can communicatewith any other component of apparatus 200 or any device coupled toapparatus 200 via the control lines (not shown) that were discussedabove. Microcontroller 214 can also facilitate the transfer ofinformation among the devices coupled to apparatus 200 using thecomponents and wires described below.

In some embodiments, the information transferred from a first device toa second device may include, for example, software or a firmware updatefor the second device. A first device (such as a cellular telephone orcomputer) can be used to update the firmware or provide additionalsoftware to a second device (such as a wireless headset). For example, afirmware update for a wireless headset may be downloaded onto a computer(via the internet and into, e.g., iTunes) or cellular telephone (via thecellular telephone network) from a central server (such as the Appleserver). When computer or cellular telephone and the wireless headsetare coupled to apparatus 200, the information may be relayed from thecomputer or cellular telephone to the wireless headset via apparatus200. In some other embodiments, apparatus 200 may facilitate thetransfer of the information outside of apparatus 200, which is discussedin more detail below.

Information can be passed between devices directly or indirectly throughapparatus 200. When microcontroller 214 establishes directcommunications between two devices, the signal can be routed throughvarious components of apparatus 200 (e.g., ports 202, 204 and/or 206,switch 220, etc.), but the communications are not routed throughmicrocontroller 214. An example of a direct communications path betweendevice 208 and device 210 is port 202 to input 222 to switch 220 tooutput 226 to port 204 (and vice versa). When microcontroller 214facilitates the transfer of information via an indirect communicationspath, the information passes through microcontroller 214 (via thecontrol lines (not shown), line 216 and/or line 218).

When using an indirect communications path, microcontroller 214 can, forexample, monitor the information (for, e.g., faults, clarity, viruses,content, etc.). An indirect communications path may also allowmicrocontroller 214 to approve the information (based on, for example,parental restrictions, etc.) and/or save the information to internal orexternal memory, which may be RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. (not shown).The information and/or an indication that information is being exchangedmay also be displayed on a user interface (such as one or more lightemitting diodes (“LEDs”)) or any other interface device apparatus 200has access to, which are not shown). Microcontroller 214 may alsoencode/decode the information, and/or utilize the information in anyother way. An example of an indirect communications path between devices210 and 212 is port 204 to line 216 to microcontroller 214 to line 218to line 224 to port 206 (or vice versa), all of which are discussedfurther below.

Communication paths are used to exchange information among the devices.Microcontroller 214 can also use a communications path betweenmicrocontroller 214 and any device. For example, before establishing acommunications path between device 208 and device 210, microcontroller214 can establish a communications path between microcontroller 214 anddevice 208. Microcontroller 214 may then use that communications pathto, for example, identify and authenticate device 208. Aftercommunicating with device 208, microcontroller 214 can, for example,determine that device 208 has information for device 210.Microcontroller 214 can then establish a communications path with device210, determine which communications protocol(s) can be used, identifydevice 210, authenticate device 210, and determine whether or not device210 should communicate with device 208. If microcontroller 214determines that device 208 can be permitted to communicate directly withdevice 210, microcontroller 214 will then establish a direct connectionbetween device 208 and device 210, thereby enabling devices 208 and 210to exchange information.

In some embodiments of the invention, when a device is coupled to a portof apparatus 200, microcontroller 214 receives a signal from the portvia a control line (not shown) indicating that a device has been coupledto the port. In some embodiments, microcontroller 214 can monitor eachport of apparatus 200 and detect when a device is coupled to port 202,port 204 and port 206. In response to receiving an indication from aport or detecting that a device is coupled to a port, microcontroller214 automatically establishes a communications protocol (between thedevice and microcontroller 214 and/or the other devices), identifies thedevice, and authenticates the device.

For example, if a computer is coupled to port 202, microcontroller 214can communicate with the computer and identify different characteristicsof the computer (such as the computer's brand, model, name, operatingsystem, communication protocol, etc.). As another example, if a cellulartelephone is coupled to port 204, microcontroller 214 can communicatewith the cellular telephone and identify the model, brand, and othercharacteristics of the cellular telephone. In this manner,microcontroller 214 is able to determine how many and what types ofdevices are coupled to apparatus 200.

In addition to controlling the components of apparatus 200 via thecontrol lines (not shown), microcontroller 214 can also exchangeinformation with any of the components of apparatus 200 as well asdevices 208, 210 and 212. For example, microcontroller 214 can exchangeinformation (or facilitate indirect communications) with device 210 vialine 216 and port 204. As another example, microcontroller 214 canexchange information (or facilitate indirect communications) with device212 via line 218, which ties directly into output 224 (discussed below),and port 206. Lines 216 and 218 are preferably bidirectional multi-wirebuses that carry information using at least two wires, but in somealternative embodiments either or both of lines 216 and 218 can be asingle wire.

As mentioned above, before microcontroller 214 facilitatescommunications among the devices, microcontroller 214 can create acommunications path. Creating a communications path can includesuggesting or determining the protocol and/or standard (e.g., USB,serial, etc.) that is used to transmit information to/from each devicethat is coupled to apparatus 200. When three or more devices are coupledto apparatus 200, microcontroller 214 can facilitate communicationsusing different types of communication protocols between different pairsof devices and/or between a device and microcontroller 214.

For example, when microcontroller 214 detects that devices 208, 210 and212 are coupled to the ports 202, 204 and 206, respectively,microcontroller 214 can create a direct communications path (e.g., viaswitch 220) between devices 208 and 210 in which information isexchanged using a USB protocol. Microcontroller 214 can also, forexample, concurrently facilitate indirect communications between devices210 and 212 (via, e.g., line 216, line 218, and output 224), using adifferent serial data transfer standard.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 214 can specify which type ofcommunications protocol is being used by providing, for example, aspecific voltage to the device (e.g., 5 volts can indicate USB, 3 voltscan indicate serial, etc.). This is discussed further below.

The present invention can use multiple communications standards and/orprotocols concurrently when different devices and components arecommunicating. For example, when device 208 is a USB compatible device,a USB communications protocol can be used. When device 210 is also a USBcompatible device, microcontroller 214 can facilitate directcommunications between devices 208 and 210 (via switch 220).

In alternative embodiments, when device 210 is unable to communicatedirectly with device 208, microcontroller 214 can facilitate indirectcommunications between devices 208 and 210. For example, when device 210is not USB compatible and device 208 may only communicate using a USBprotocol, microcontroller 214 can facilitate indirect communicationsbetween devices 208 and 210. Microcontroller 214 can, for example,receive information from device 208 using a USB protocol and then relaythe information to device 210 using another protocol.

Some devices can communicate with multiple devices and/or multiplecommunications protocols at the same time. For example, port 204 can bea 30-pin connector, which would enable device 210 to communicateindirectly with device 212 using a first communications protocol whiledevice 210 communicates directly with device 208 using the first or asecond communications protocol.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 214 facilitates all thecommunications among the devices coupled to apparatus 200. In someembodiments, the type of communications path (i.e., the communicationsprotocol used, direct or indirect, etc.) that is established betweendevices can be based on, for example, the priority of the port to whicheach device is coupled, the type of device, the type and/or number ofcommunications protocols each device is compatible with, etc.

In addition it may be desirable for microcontroller 214 to facilitatethe transfer of communications and/or power based on a relative priorityof ports 202, 204 and 206. The priority of ports 202, 204 and 206 can bebased on, for example, how apparatus 200 is hardwired and/or thesoftware running on microcontroller 214. In some embodiments,microcontroller 214 may automatically determine the priority of ports202, 204 and 206 in response to the various information available tomicrocontroller 214 (e.g., the types of ports currently included inapparatus 200, the other components included in apparatus 200, etc.).

The relative priority of ports 202, 204 and 206, in some embodiments,can control which devices provide power and which devices receive power.For example, when devices 208, 210 and 212 are coupled to ports 202, 204and 206, respectively, device 208 can be the lowest priority device(because, e.g., port 202 is the lowest priority port) and device 212 canbe the highest priority device (because, e.g., port 206 is the highestpriority port). Microcontroller 214 can facilitate the transfer of powerfrom device 208 (which is coupled to the lowest priority port) to thehigher priority ports (e.g., ports 204 and 206), thereby allowing thedevices coupled to the higher priority ports (i.e., devices 210 and 212)to be charged by device 208.

When the lowest priority port is not connected to a device (e.g., whendevice 208 is not coupled to port 202), microcontroller 214 can assignanother port (e.g., port 204) the lowest priority. Microcontroller 214can route power from the device coupled to that port (e.g., device 210)to at least one device coupled to at least one higher priority port(e.g., device 212). As used herein, the terms “low priority” and “highpriority” are not intended to suggest anything more than “whichdevice(s) should provide power” and “which device(s) should receivepower,” respectively.

In alternative embodiments, microcontroller 214 can assign priority tothe devices coupled to apparatus 200 (e.g., devices 208, 210 and/or 212)as opposed to ports 202, 204 and 206. Microcontroller 214 can use theinformation available to the microcontroller to prioritize the one ormore devices coupled to apparatus 200. For example, when prioritizingthe devices, microcontroller 214 may consider the number of devicescoupled to apparatus 200, the types of devices coupled to apparatus 200,information the user provides to apparatus 200 via a user interface (notshown), the chronological order in which the devices are coupled toapparatus 200, etc.

The priority of the devices, similar to the priority of the ports, canbe used to control the flow of power (and, in some embodiments, the flowof information) among the devices coupled to apparatus 200. For example,when devices 208, 210 and 212 are coupled to apparatus 200, device 208can be assigned the lowest priority and device 212 can be assigned thehighest priority, regardless as to which port each device is coupled to.Microcontroller 214 can, for example, direct power from the power supplyof at least one lower priority device to the power supply of at leastone higher priority device, thereby charging the higher priority device(e.g., devices 210 and 212) with power provided by the lower prioritydevice.

When the lowest priority device (e.g., device 208) is disconnected orotherwise decoupled from apparatus 200, another device (e.g., device210) can now be assigned the lowest priority. Microcontroller 214 canonce again route power from the lowest priority device (e.g., device210) to at least one higher priority device (e.g., device 212).

Microcontroller 214 can also monitor apparatus 200 and any devicecoupled to apparatus 200 for faults. In response to detecting a fault,microcontroller 214 can attempt to repair the fault and/or report thefault (to, for example, one or more of the devices coupled to apparatus200, to a user interface of apparatus 200 (not shown), etc.). Oneskilled in the art would understand that microcontroller 214 can takeany other appropriate action.

In some embodiments microcontroller 214 can facilitate communicationsbetween two or more devices that take place wirelessly or with a wiredconnection outside of apparatus 200. Microcontroller 214 can facilitatecommunications between two devices by first, for example, identifyingand authenticating the two devices that are coupled to apparatus 200,and then establishing a communications protocol, which can be wireless,between the two devices. Information may then be exchanged between thetwo devices wirelessly.

For example, apparatus 200 can be used to automatically pair two devicestogether, which can alleviate the need for a user to enter, for example,a device code. One example of a device code is the code used to programa universal remote control. Another, more complicated device code is aBluetooth pin, which allows Bluetooth enabled devices to be pairedtogether, forming a trusted relationship, while preventing the devicesfrom being paired with other devices that happen to be nearby. In someembodiments, after exchanging the device code via the components andwires of apparatus 200, the pairing process may continue wirelesslybetween the devices. In other embodiments, microcontroller 214 mayfacilitate the entire pairing process using the wires and components ofapparatus 200. Automatically pairing two devices together is discussedin more detail below in connection with FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, apparatus 200 can include a wireless emitter and/orreceiver (not shown) which can allow microcontroller 214 to, forexample, communicate wirelessly with a device. In some embodiments,microcontroller 214 may access and use a wireless emitter and/orreceiver that is built into a device (such as a cellular telephone) thatis coupled to apparatus 200.

In alternative embodiments, microcontroller 214 can be omitted fromapparatus 200. In yet other alternative embodiments, microcontroller 214can be replaced by a component that provides only some of thefunctionality of microcontroller 214 that is described herein.

Regardless as to whether or not an embodiment of the present inventionincludes microcontroller 214, a microcontroller that provides lessfunctionality than described herein, or no microcontroller at all, powerand information could still be transferred from a first device to asecond device. For example, two devices can communicate via anadditional wire (not shown), wirelessly (e.g., using a Bluetoothstandard and protocol (i.e., IEEE 802.15.1), a WiFi standard andprotocol (i.e., any of the IEEE 802.11 standards), etc.), or by anyother means. (One skilled in the art would appreciate that the term wireas used throughout this invention disclosure is not intended to limitthe present invention to using threads of metal, but rather is intendedto encompass any and every means for electrically coupling twoelectrical components together.) As such, communications among thedevices that do not pass through apparatus 200 can, for example,preserve some or all of the functionality provided by microcontroller214 in embodiments of the present invention that omit a microcontrolleror include microcontrollers that have less functionality thanmicrocontroller 214.

In some embodiments of the present invention, apparatus 200 can includeone or more switches. For example, apparatus 200 can include switch 220and switch 228, which receive input control signals from microcontroller214 (via the control lines that are not shown).

In some embodiments of the present invention, switch 220 controls theflow of information from the device coupled to port 202 to the devicescoupled to ports 204 and 206. Preferably, switch 220 receivesinformation from port 202 via input 222. Input 222 can carry, forexample, information signals, power, ground, etc. Input 222 ispreferably a multiple-wire bus (e.g., a four-wire bus, a twisted pair,etc.).

One skilled in the art would appreciate that in alternative embodimentsof the present invention, switch 220 can receive at least one additionalinput (e.g., a two-wire bus, a single wire input, a larger bus, etc.)(not shown) from any other component of apparatus 200 (e.g., from port204, port 206, etc.). When, for example, switch 220 receives an inputfrom port 204, device 210 can also serve as a source of information.Switch 220 can then be used to provide the information from device 210to components of apparatus 200 and/or other devices. For example, atwo-wire bus from port 204 to switch 220 would allow apparatus 200 toestablish a direct communications path between devices 210 and 212,thereby allowing a master-slave relationship to be initiated (such asthe Bluetooth pairing process) between device 210 and device 212.

In some embodiments, input 222 can provide information to switch 220using any protocol and/or standard. For example, information sent via aUSB protocol or any other protocol(s) can be accepted and/or understoodby apparatus 200. For simplicity, the present invention is describedherein as using only two data transfer standards, i.e., the USB standardand another serial data transfer standard which is referred to herein asthe serial standard. The choice of this language is not meant to limitthe present invention to such standards, but rather to simplify thediscussion of the present invention. One skilled in the art wouldappreciate that a number of other standards and/or protocols can be usedto send signals and/or transfer data among ports 202, 204, 206, othercomponents of apparatus 200, and devices 208, 210, and 212. Thestandards and/or protocols used to communicate with each device coupledto apparatus 200 can be based on, for example, the priority of thedevices, the type of devices, the components of apparatus 200 (e.g., thetypes of parts of apparatus 200, etc.), etc.

In some embodiments of the present invention, switch 220 has twooutputs, i.e., output 224 and output 226. Outputs 224 and 226 can besingle wires or multiple wire buses. Output 226 is preferably a two-wirebus to port 204. Output 224 is preferably a two-wire bus to port 206.Switch 220 can couple input 222 with output 224 and/or output 226 inresponse to the control signal that microcontroller 214 sends to switch220. For example, switch 220 can couple input 222 to output 226, output224, or both, thereby allowing electricity (which mayor may not containinformation) to flow from device 208 to port 204, port 206, or both,respectively.

In alternative embodiments that include a second input (such as, e.g.,an input from a wireless receiver, port 204, etc.), switch 220 cancouple, for example, input 222 to output 226 and the second input tooutput 224, thereby allowing information to flow from device 208 todevice 210 and from the second input to device 212.

It is desirable for input 222, output 224 and output 226 to carryinformation using multiple standards and/or protocols (e.g., USB, etc.).In alternative embodiments, input 222, output 224 and output 226 cancarry power that charges a device.

As discussed above, microcontroller 214 can assign a relative priorityto ports 202, 204 and 206 (as opposed to assigning a priority to devices208, 210 and 212). FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in accordance withthe present invention, which includes components and connections thatwould improve the efficiency of the flow of power based on theprioritization of the ports. For example, apparatus 200 includes line230, which allows power to automatically flow from port 202 to port 204when device 208 is coupled to apparatus 200. As another example, whendevice 208 is coupled to apparatus 200, line 230 is intended to maintaina particular DC voltage, which is referred to herein as V1 (e.g., 5volts, 4.7 volts, etc.). As such, line 230 can be used to charge device210.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 214 can monitor the voltageprovided by, for example, device 208 and facilitate the transfer ofpower between, for example, ports 202 and 204 on line 230. When device208 (or any other device) is unable to provide a particular amount ofpower (because its power supply is running low) on a wire (such as line230), microcontroller 214 can restrict the flow of power on the wire (orany other connector). Restricting the flow of power on a wire canprevent a device (e.g., device 208) from being drained of power byanother device (e.g., device 210).

In alternative embodiments, power can be transferred from port 202 toport 204 without microcontroller 214 being involved (e.g., when line 230is hard-wired to do so). Also, some alternative embodiments (e.g.,embodiments wherein microcontroller 214 prioritizes each device, whereinapparatus 200 is designed to distribute the net available power from allof the devices evenly among each of the devices, etc.), microcontroller214 can allow power to flow in both directions on line 230.

The embodiment of the present invention also includes switch 228. Switch228 can be included in apparatus 200 for a number of reasons. It isdesirable to use switch 228 to facilitate the charging of device 212(i.e., the device coupled to the highest priority port), device 210(i.e., the device coupled to the medium priority port), or both devices210 and 212 with power from device 208.

In some embodiments, in addition to a control line from microcontroller214 (not shown), switch 228 receives line 230, line 232, and line 234 asinputs. Line 230, as mentioned above, allows power to flow from port 202and, preferably, maintains a particular voltage referred to herein asV1. Line 232 is a wire that allows power to flow from port 204 via line238 and boost 240. Preferably, line 232 maintains a particular DCvoltage, which is referred to herein as V2 (e.g., 3 volts, 3.3 volts,etc.). Line 234 is a wire that allows power to flow from ports 202and/or 204 (via line 230 and/or line 238 and boost 240, respectively)through regulator 242 to switch 228. Apparatus 200 can maintain aparticular DC voltage on line 234 referred to herein as V3 (e.g., 4.7volts, 4.5 volts, etc.), which is preferably less than V1 but greaterthan V2.

In some embodiments, output 236 is a wire that allows power to flow fromswitch 228 to port 206 (i.e., the highest priority port). As such,switch 228 allows device 212 to receive power when at least one ofdevices 208 and 210 are coupled to apparatus 200. Microcontroller 214can cause switch 228 to couple line 230, line 232 or line 234 to output236. FIGS. 8-15 discuss some examples of how microcontroller 214determines which input line is coupled to output 236.

In addition to charging a device, the voltage on any wire of apparatus200 can be used to provide information to any device coupled toapparatus 200. For example, the voltage on output 236, i.e., Vx, canindicate to device 212 the type of communication protocol (e.g., USB,serial, etc.) that is being or will be used to provide device 212information. As another example, apparatus 200 can cause device 212 toreset or recalibrate, for example, the polarity of the ports of device212 in response to a particular voltage or range of voltages beingmaintained on output 236. Systems and methods for resetting the polarityof the ports of a device are discussed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 7,589,536, entitled “Systems and Methods for Determining theConfiguration of Electronic Connections”, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. As such, microcontroller 214 can use, forexample, switch 228 to notify device 212 the type of data transferprotocol that device 212 should expect from output 224 and/or whichwires of output 224 (when output 224 is a multi-wire bus) will becarrying information to device 212.

In some embodiments, apparatus 200 would include both boost 240 andregulator 242. Boost 240 can increase the voltage maintained on line 238to a higher voltage (e.g., V3), which is then maintained on line 232.Regulator 242 can decrease the voltage on line 230 and/or line 232 to beany voltage, which is referred to herein as Vy.

The embodiment includes boost 240 and regulator 242 because differentdevices are charged more efficiently with different amounts of power.For example, an ipod can be charged most efficiently if 5 volts isprovided to it, whereas an accessory device (e.g., a remote control,Bluetooth headset, etc.) can be charged most efficiently when 4.7 voltsis provided to it. One skilled in the art would understand that thepresent invention can facilitate the transfer of power at any voltage orany range of voltages (e.g., 4.7 volts, 4.6-4.8 volts, 4.9-5.1 volts,3.1-3.3 volts, 0-5.0 volts, 5-12 volts, etc.) and at any current or anyrange of currents.

In alternative embodiments, boost 240 and/or regulator 242 can beomitted from apparatus 200. One skilled in the art would also appreciatethat V3 can be the same voltage as V1 or V2. Similarly, in alternativeembodiments, V1 can be the same voltage as V2.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic block diagram of circuitryimplemented in apparatus 300, which is an illustrative example of analternative embodiment of the present invention. The circuitryimplemented in apparatus 300 is similar to the circuitry implemented inapparatus 200 of FIG. 2 in that both apparatus 200 and apparatus 300 canfacilitate the transfer of information and power among the devicescoupled to them. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, invarious embodiments of the present invention, similar or identicalcomponents can be utilized to perform similar or identical functions.Particularly, components 2XX of FIG. 3 are similar or the same ascomponents 2XX of FIG. 2.

Apparatus 300 includes port 202, port 204, port 206, device 208, device210, device 212, microcontroller 214, line 216, line 218, switch 302,input 304, output 306 and output 308. Apparatus 300 is different thanapparatus 200 in that apparatus 300 includes fewer components thanapparatus 200.

Switch 302 receives input 304 as an input. Input 304 can be a multi-wirebus (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc. wire bus) that carries information and powerfrom device 208 (via port 202) to switch 302. The functionality of line304 can be similar to the combined functionality of lines 222 and 230 ofFIG. 2.

Switch 302 is illustrated as having two outputs, i.e., outputs 306 and308. Output 306 allows switch 302 to transfer information and power todevice 210 via port 204. Output 308 allows switch 302 to transferinformation and power to device 212 via port 206. Switch 302 can coupleinput 304 with either output 306 and/or output 308 based on theinstructions microcontroller 214 sends to switch 302 via a control line(not shown). The control lines of apparatus 300 are similar to or thesame as the control lines described above in connection with apparatus200.

As mentioned above, this discussion is intended to illustrate exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit thepresent invention in any manner. For example, one skilled in the artwould appreciate that additional components and connectors can be addedto the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention. For example, one or more LEDs can be included inany embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art wouldalso appreciate that the functionality of multiple components and/orwires described herein can be combined or divided. For example, input304 can be divided into multiple inputs (e.g., a power input and aninformation input), which would enable, for example, switch 302 toprovide information from device 208 to device 210 and power from device208 to device 212 independently.

Further to the automatic Bluetooth pairing discussion above, FIG. 4shows process 400. Process 400 is an illustrative mode of operation thatcan be partially or entirely performed by the circuitry of an apparatus(such apparatus 200 or 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) toautomatically pair two devices together in accordance with a Bluetoothprotocol. As such, the circuitry of the apparatus can act as a pairingmanager, which is discussed in more detail in commonly assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/513,692, filed Aug. 30, 2006 (now U.S.Patent Publication No. 2008-0070501), entitled “Pairing of WirelessDevices Using a Wired Medium” (hereinafter “the '692 Application”),which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Process 400 begins at step 402. In step 402, two devices, a masterdevice and a slave device, can be electrically coupled to an apparatus.The apparatus can be similar to or the same as, for example, apparatus200 or 300 described above. The master device (which is sometimesreferred to as a host device) can be, for example, a cellular telephone,computer, or any other device that satisfies the Bluetoothspecification's definition of a master device (i.e., controlling thetraffic on a piconet physical channel by a polling scheme). The slavedevice (which is sometimes referred to as a client device) can be, forexample, a wireless headset (such as those described above) or any otherdevice that satisfies the Bluetooth specification's definition of aslave device.

In response to the master and slave devices being electrically and/orphysically coupled to the apparatus, the microcontroller of theapparatus (e.g., microcontroller 214) may perform any function,including the functions discussed herein. The microcontroller of theapparatus can, for example, identify each device, authenticate eachdevice, establish a communications path between the devices, place adevice in a high power mode, reset the ports of a device, charge thebattery of at least one of the devices (e.g., transfer power from themaster device to the slave device), etc.

In step 404, the master device detects the presence of the slave device.In some embodiments, the circuitry in the apparatus is used by themaster device to detect the slave device. For example, themicrocontroller of the apparatus can provide the master deviceinformation about the slave device (e.g., the identity of the slavedevice, the fact that the slave device is electrically coupled to theapparatus, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the master device candetect the slave device without the assistance of the apparatus (e.g.,wirelessly).

After step 404, the process advances to step 406. In step 406, themaster device queries the status of the slave device. The master devicemay use the circuitry of the apparatus to query the status of the slavedevice. In alternative embodiments, the master device may query theslave device without using the circuitry of the apparatus (e.g.,wirelessly).

In step 408, a determination is made as to whether or not the slavedevice is already paired to the master device. When the master and slavedevices are not currently paired together, the process advances to step410.

In step 410, the master device puts the slave device into a discoverablemode. The master device may use the circuitry of the apparatus to placethe slave device in the discoverable mode. For example, the masterdevice may request that the microcontroller of the apparatus place theslave device in the discoverable mode. In some embodiments, the masterdevice may place the slave device in a discoverable mode without usingthe circuitry of the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly). In alternativeembodiments (not pictured), the master device may not put the slavedevice in the discoverable mode, but rather rely on the microcontrollerof the apparatus to automatically put the slave device in thediscoverable mode.

In step 412, the master and slave devices can pair with each other inaccordance with a Bluetooth protocol. In some other embodiments, thecircuitry of the apparatus facilitates a portion of the pairing processand allows the other portion of the pairing process to take placeoutside the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may determine theBluetooth pin of the slave device, provide the Bluetooth pin to themaster device, and then allow the master device and slave device to pairtogether wirelessly. As another example, the master device begins thepairing process outside the apparatus (e.g., by determining theBluetooth pin of the slave device) and then completes the pairingprocess using the internal circuitry of the apparatus. Using a wiredconnection in combination with a wireless connection to pair two devicestogether are discussed in more detail in the '692 Application.

The apparatus or master device may determine the Bluetooth pin of theslave device. The Bluetooth pin of the slave device can be determinedby, for example, trial and error (e.g., trying different Bluetooth pinsuntil the correct pin is determined by selecting a first Bluetooth pin;providing the first Bluetooth pin to the second device; receiving anindication from the second device as to whether the first Bluetooth pinis the same as the Bluetooth pin of the first device; in response to thesecond device indicating that the first Bluetooth pin is different fromthe Bluetooth pin of the first device, repeating the steps again withanother Bluetooth pin until the correct Bluetooth pin for the slavedevice is determined). The Bluetooth pin of the slave device can also bedetermined by, for example, receiving the Bluetooth pin from the slavedevice via a hard-wired communications path (i.e., the slave deviceprovides its Bluetooth pin to another device or apparatus after ahard-wired communications path is established), or any other method orcombination of methods apparent to one skilled in the art.

In alternative embodiments, the entire pairing process of step 412 takesplace outside the apparatus (e.g., wirelessly between the master andslave devices). In other alternative embodiments, the entire pairingprocess is facilitated by the circuitry of the apparatus.

After the master and slave devices are paired together in step 412, themaster device links with the slave device in step 414. Once anauthorized link is established, process 400 ends at step 416.

Returning to step 408, when the master device is already paired with theslave device, the process advances to step 418. In step 418, the masterdevice checks its link status with respect to the slave device. Inalternative embodiments, the microcontroller of the apparatus checks thelink status between the master and slave devices. A determination ismade in step 420 as to whether or not the master device is linked withthe slave device. When the master device and/or the apparatus determinesthat the master device is already linked to the slave device, process400 proceeds to step 416 and ends.

When the master device and/or the apparatus determines that the masterdevice is not already linked to the slave device, process 400 proceedsto step 414. In step 414, the master device links with the slave deviceand then the process ends at step 416.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that any of the steps of process400 can require a user interaction before proceeding. For example,before the two devices are paired together in step 412, the masterdevice may prompt the user to accept or decline the master device beingpaired with the slave device.

The foregoing discussion of automatic Bluetooth pairing is not meant tobe an exhaustive discussion. For a more detailed explanation ofautomatic Bluetooth pairing, please see U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/513,616, filed Aug. 30, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2008-0057890), entitled “Automated Pairing of Wireless Accessories withHost Devices”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show illustrative examples of docking devices 500 and502, respectively. Docking devices 500 and 502 are electrical devices inwhich the circuitry discussed above in connection with FIG. 2 FIG. 3 ora combination therefrom is implemented. Docking devices 500 and 502 aresimilar to docking station 100 shown in FIG. 1. Docking devices 500 and502 include ports 202, 204 and 206, which are similar or the same asports 202, 204 and 206 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

Docking devices 500 and 502 are electrical devices in which thecircuitry discussed above in connection with FIG. 2 or 3 is implemented.Devices (which are not shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b that are similar to orthe same as the devices described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and2) can be coupled to ports 202, 204 and 206 of docking devices 500 and502. Docking devices 500 and 502 can then be used as described above andfacilitate the transfer of power and information among electricaldevices.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show illustrative examples of cables 600 and 602,respectively. Cables 600 and 602 are portable electrical devices inwhich the circuitry discussed above in connection with FIG. 2, FIG. 3 ora combination there from is implemented. Cables 600 and 602 includeports 202, 204 and 206, which are similar or the same as ports 202, 204and 206 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 c shows a cut away view of cable 600, which is shown in FIG. 6 a.As such, ports 202, 204 and 206 are the same ports shown in FIG. 6 a.Port 202 illustrates an example of the male 30-pin connector discussedabove and port 206 illustrates an example of the symmetrical four pinconnector discussed above (as well as in the Ser. No. 60/879,177Application and in the Ser. No. 60/879,195 Application). Circuitry 604is located inside of cable 600 and may include components such as, forexample, one or more microcontrollers, switches, regulators, and/orboost circuits, any of which can be the same as or substantially similarto the components discussed above. For example, circuitry 604 mayinclude a Sipex regulator, a TI MSP V126, a Seiko Boost circuit, anIntersil USB switch, and various other electrical components.

Devices (not shown in FIG. 6 a or 6 b that are similar to or the same asthe devices described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2) can becoupled to cables 600 and 602 via ports 202, 204 and 206. Cables 600 and602 can then be used as described above and facilitate the transfer ofpower and information among the devices.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show illustrative examples of cellular telephone 700before and after cellular telephone 700 is physically coupled withdevice 212. Device 212 is coupled to cellular telephone 700 via port206. Port 206 is similar or the same as port 206 described above inconnection with FIG. 2. Device 212 can be similar to or the same asdevice 212 discussed above in connection with FIG. 2. As mentionedabove, device 212 can be, for example, a wireless Bluetooth headset.

Circuitry that is in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention may be implemented in a device, such as cellular telephone700. The circuitry in cellular telephone 700 can be used, as describedabove, to facilitate the transfer of power and/or information betweencellular telephone 700 and device 212. For example, power from thebattery of cellular telephone 700 can be used to charge the battery ofdevice 212. As another example, in response to device 212 being insertedinto port 206, the circuitry may facilitate the automatic pairing (asdiscussed above) of cellular telephone 700 and device 212.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the circuitry discussedabove may be included in any other electrical device (such as, e.g., anipod, computer, accessory device, etc.). The circuitry described abovecan also be implemented in any other object that can be in proximity toand/or used with a fixed, portable or mobile power source (e.g., desk,automobile dashboard, airplane seat, wall power outlet, etc.).

FIGS. 8-15 are flow charts that illustrate some of the various methodsthat can be used to facilitate the exchange of information and/or poweramong two or more devices in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. FIGS. 8-11 are flow charts that illustrate the stepsthat can occur when one or more devices are coupled to an apparatus.FIGS. 12-15 are flow charts that illustrate the steps that can occurwhen one or more devices are decoupled from an apparatus. One skilled inthe art would understand that methods similar to or the same as themethods described herein can also be used in the absence of theapparatuses described herein.

Turning to FIG. 8, the process begins at step 802 when there are nodevices coupled to an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 orapparatus 300 shown in FIG. 3). The apparatus is preferably in a powereddown mode. In the powered down mode, the components of the apparatus(e.g., port 202, port 204, port 206, microcontroller 214, boost 240,regulator 242, wireless emitter/receiver, etc.) are preferably notreceiving power and are not functioning. In alternative embodiments, theapparatus can have its own power source (e.g., a battery, capacitor,etc.) (not shown), which allows any component of the apparatus tofunction when there are no devices coupled to the apparatus.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the process can begin at astep other than step 802. For example, the process can begin at step 812(which is discussed below) when the process begins with a device alreadycoupled to the medium priority port or when the apparatus is integratedinto a medium priority device (such as, e.g., an iPod or cellulartelephone 700 shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b).

At step 804, a first device is coupled to the apparatus. Further to thepriority discussion above in reference to FIG. 2, the processesdiscussed herein are based on an apparatus in which the ports of theapparatus are prioritized. Step 806 illustrates that the direction ofthe process can be determined in response to whether the first device iscoupled to the lowest priority port (e.g., port 202), the mediumpriority port (e.g., port 204), or the highest priority port (e.g., port206). The step that occurs next in the process is based on which portthe first device is coupled to.

When the first device is coupled to the lowest priority port, theprocess moves from step 806 to step 808. In some embodiments, at step808, a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller 214) and a regulator(e.g., regulator 242) of the apparatus are activated (i.e., powered ON)with power that is provided by or taken from the first device. In step808, the apparatus also facilitates the transfer of power among theports of the apparatus. For example, power (e.g., V1) from the firstdevice (e.g., device 208) can be provided to the medium priority port(via, e.g., line 230 as shown in FIG. 2) and to the highest priorityport (via, e.g., a power switch, such as switch 228, and the regulator,thereby allowing less power, e.g., VX, to the highest priority port). Instep 808, the apparatus can also prepare to facilitate the transfer ofinformation between the first device and another device (that is not yetconnected) by creating an information path between the lowest priorityport device and another port. For example, the information switch (e.g.,switch 220) can couple the lowest priority port with the medium priorityport (by, e.g., coupling input 222 to output 226 as shown in FIG. 2). Insome embodiments the microcontroller can communicate (as discussed abovein reference to FIG. 2) with the first device in step 808.

In alternative embodiments (such as, for example, the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3), both power and information lines of the lowestpriority port can be coupled to one or more of the higher priority ports(e.g., via switch 302) at step 808.

At step 810, a second device is coupled to the apparatus. The processcontinues in FIG. 9 at step 902, which illustrates that the direction ofthe process can be determined in response to which port the seconddevice is coupled to.

When the second device is coupled to the medium priority port, step 902is followed by step 904. In step 904, the apparatus can, for example,facilitate communications (e.g., USB communications) between the firstand second devices and/or communicate directly with the second device.As described above in reference to FIG. 2, the microcontroller canestablish a communications path between a device and the microcontrollerand/or another device. The communications path can then be used to, forexample, request a particular amount of power (at a particular currentand/or voltage), etc. In step 904, the apparatus can also facilitate thecharging of the second device with power from the first device (which,in some embodiments, was provided to the medium priority port in step908), activate the boost (e.g., boost 240, in anticipation of a thirddevice being coupled to the highest priority port or the first devicebeing decoupled from the lowest priority port), and regulate the outputof the boost (which can, for example, maintain the voltage provided tothe highest priority port at, e.g., V2 when the first device isdecoupled from the apparatus).

In step 906, a third device is coupled to the highest priority port ofthe apparatus. In response to a third device (e.g., device 212) beingcoupled to the apparatus, the process continues to step 908.

In step 908, the microcontroller preferably creates a communicationspath to the third device and communicates with the third device (e.g.,using a serial communication protocol). The apparatus can also allow thesecond device to communicate with the third device (directly orindirectly as discussed above in reference to FIG. 2).

The voltage, that is provided to the highest priority port prior to thethird device being coupled to the apparatus, can indicate to the thirddevice which standard and/or protocol the third device should use tocommunicate with the apparatus and/or other device(s) in step 908. Theapparatus and/or the other device, which is communicating with the thirddevice, can, for example, identify the third device, authenticate thethird device, and/or perform any other necessary action required tocommunicate with the third device (e.g., reset the ports of the thirddevice), handshake with the third device, negotiate the charge with thethird device (i.e., communicate how much power should be provided to thethird device), and/or exchange any other information (includinginstructions) with the third device). In response to establishing acommunications path and/or exchange of communications with the thirddevice, the apparatus can allow more power to be provided to the thirddevice (by, e.g., deregulating the power provided to the regulator).Allowing more power (i.e., more voltage (e.g., V3) and/or current) to beprovided to the third device can cause the third device to be chargedmore rapidly.

Returning to step 902, the second device to be coupled to the apparatuscan be coupled to the highest priority port. When the second device iscoupled to the highest priority port, step 910 comes after step 902 inthe process.

In step 910, the microcontroller can establish a communications paththat allows the microcontroller to communicate with the second device(using, e.g., a USB protocol, a different serial communicationsprotocol, or any other communications protocol). In some embodiments,the apparatus can establish a communications path that allows the firstdevice to communicate with the second device (e.g., device 212) directlyor indirectly (as discussed above in reference to FIG. 2).

As described above in reference to step 908, the voltage, that ispresent at the highest priority port when the second device is initiallycoupled to that port, can indicate to the second device which standardand/or protocol the second device should use to communicate with themicrocontroller or first device in step 910. After the microcontrollerand/or the first device communicates with the second device, the powerto the highest priority port can be (completely or partially)deregulated by the microcontroller, thereby allowing the second deviceto be charged more rapidly.

In step 912, a third device is coupled to the medium priority port ofthe apparatus. In response to the third device (e.g., device 210) beingcoupled to the medium priority port, the microcontroller can temporarilyinterrupt or slow down the charging of the second device by, forexample, regulating the power provided to the second device, updatingthe communications path(s) to the second device, or instructing thesecond device to reset its ports.

Step 912 can also include establishing a communications path between thethird device and the microcontroller and/or other device(s),discontinuing the communications between the first device and the seconddevice (this can occur when, e.g., switch 220 decouples input 222 fromoutput 224), and facilitating communications between the first deviceand the third device (by, e.g., using switch 220 to couple input 222 tooutput 226). In communicating with the third device, microcontrollerand/or one of the other devices can, for example, negotiate the chargeof the third device (e.g., determine whether the third device needs tobe charged, the amount of power that the third device should receiveand/or provide, etc.). In response to the negotiations with the thirddevice, the apparatus can facilitate the transfer of power to and/orfrom the third device. In step 914, communications between themicrocontroller and the second device can resume (which can include anyexchange of information and/or instructions) and the second device cancontinue to be charged.

Returning to step 806, the first device coupled to the apparatus can becoupled to the medium priority port of the apparatus. When the firstdevice (e.g., device 210) is coupled to the medium priority port, step806 is followed by step 812.

In response to the first device being coupled to the medium priorityport, the microcontroller, the boost, and the regulator can be activatedin step 812. The microcontroller can also establish a communicationspath with the first device and negotiate the power exchange particularswith the first device (e.g., the amount of voltage and current that thefirst device will provide to and receive from other devices, etc.).

As a result of the microcontroller's communications with the firstdevice, the first device can output power (e.g., V2 at a given current)to the boost. The boost can then increase the power (to, e.g., V3) andprovide the power (e.g., V3 at the given current) to the regulator. Theregulator can regulate the power (to, e.g., V2) and then provide thepower (e.g., V2 at a given current) to the highest priority port inanticipation of a device being coupled to the highest priority port.

In step 814, a second device is coupled to the apparatus. The process iscontinued in FIG. 10 at step 1002. Step 1002 illustrates that thedirection of the process can be determined based on which port thesecond device is coupled to.

When the second device is coupled to the lowest priority port, step 1002is followed by step 1004 in the process. In step 1004, themicrocontroller can, for example, establish one or more communicationspaths with the first device, facilitate communications (e.g., USBcommunications) between the first and second devices and/or communicatedirectly with the second device (which can include, for example,negotiating the power transfer from the second device). Step 1004 canalso include charging the first device with the power from the seconddevice (via, e.g., line 236 shown in FIG. 2 or switch 302 shown in FIG.3).

In step 1006, a third device is coupled to the highest priority port ofthe apparatus. In response to a third device (e.g., device 212) beingcoupled to the apparatus, the process proceeds to step 1008.

In step 1008, the microcontroller establishes one or more communicationspaths with the third device, facilitates communications between thethird device and the microcontroller and/or the other devices(including, e.g., negotiating the power transfer to the third device).As described above, the power (e.g., V3 at a given current), that wasbeing provided to the highest priority port when the third device wascoupled to the highest priority port, can indicate to the third devicewhich communications protocol and/or standard should be used tocommunicate with the microcontroller and/or the other devices. Themicrocontroller can then increase the power provided to the highestpriority port (to, e.g., V3 at a given current) by, for example,deregulating (completely or partially) the power from the boost, andfacilitate the rapid charge of the third device.

Returning to step 1002, when the second device coupled to the apparatusis coupled to the highest priority port, step 1010 is after step 1002 inthe process.

In step 1010 the microcontroller can establish a communications path(s)with the second device and facilitate communications with the seconddevice. As described above, the microcontroller can deregulate the powerprovided to the highest priority port after communicating with thesecond device and begin a more rapid charge of the second device withpower provided by the first device.

In step 1012, a third device is coupled to the lowest priority port ofthe apparatus and, in response, the process proceeds to step 1014.

In step 1014, the microcontroller can establish one or morecommunications paths to the third device, facilitate communicationsbetween the third device and the first device (via, e.g., a switch suchas, for example, switch 220 of FIG. 2 or switch 302 of FIG. 3) and/orthe microcontroller. The apparatus can also facilitate the charge of thesecond device (via, e.g., a hard wired connection like line 230 of FIG.2 or a switch like switch 302 of FIG. 3).

Returning to step 806 of FIG. 8, the first device coupled to theapparatus can be coupled to the highest priority port of the apparatus.When the first device (e.g., device 212) is coupled to the highestpriority port, the process flows from step 806 to step 816.

In some embodiments, the apparatus remains in the powered down mode(which was discussed above in reference to step 802) when the firstdevice is coupled to the highest priority port. By leaving the apparatusin the powered down mode, the first device is not drained of any power.This approach is one example of a method that assures the device coupledto the highest priority port will only receive power and will notprovide power to the apparatus or any other device.

One skilled in the would appreciate that in alternative embodiments, thedevice coupled to the highest priority port can provide power to theapparatus and/or any other device based on, for example, the amount ofexcess power that the device coupled to the highest priority port canspare, the need to communicate with the apparatus, or for any otherreason. In such alternative embodiments, the microcontroller can onlyrequest power from the device coupled to the highest priority portuntil, for example, a second device is coupled to a lower priority port,until the first device has no or a certain amount of excess power, untila given amount of time elapses, until the microcontroller finishescommunicating (e.g., identify, authenticate, reset, etc.) with thedevice coupled to the highest priority port, or until any other eventoccurs.

In step 818, a second device is coupled to the apparatus and the processcontinues in FIG. 11. Step 1102 of FIG. 11 illustrates that thedirection of the process can be determined based on which port thesecond device is coupled to. The process proceeds to step 1104 inresponse to the second device being coupled to the lowest priority port.

In some embodiments, the microcontroller and the regulator are activatedat step 1104 of the process. In some embodiments, the microcontrollerestablishes a communications path between the first device andmicrocontroller and/or the second device. The microcontroller can alsoestablish a communications path between the second device and themicrocontroller. After the communications path(s) are established, themicrocontroller can then facilitate communications (direct or indirect)among the devices and/or itself (via, e.g., switch 220 and/or line 218illustrated in FIG. 2). The microcontroller can also facilitate thetransfer of power from the second device to the first device in step1104 (via, e.g., switch 220 illustrated in FIG. 2 or switch 302illustrated in FIG. 3), thereby charging the first device with powerfrom the second device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller canprovide power to the medium priority port (e.g., via line 230) inanticipation of a third device being coupled to the apparatus.

In step 1106 a third device is coupled to the medium priority port ofthe apparatus. In response to the third device being coupled to themedium priority port of the apparatus, the process proceeds to step1108.

In step 1108 the boost is activated. The microcontroller can alsoestablish a communications path between the third device and themicrocontroller and/or one or more of the other devices. After thecommunications paths are established, the microcontroller can thenfacilitate communications with the third device. In some embodiments,the microcontroller communicates with the third device. In someembodiments, the microcontroller can allow the third device tocommunicate with the first and/or second device (directly orindirectly), which can require the microcontroller to discontinue and/orinterrupt the communications between the first and second devices. Forexample, when the first device (i.e., device 212) is communicatingdirectly with the second device (i.e., device 208) via a switch (e.g.,switch 220 illustrated in FIG. 2 or switch 302 illustrated in FIG. 3),the microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller 214) can interrupt the directcommunications between the first and second devices, facilitate thedirect communications between the second and third devices (via, e.g.,switch 220), and then facilitate indirect communications between thefirst and third devices (e.g., by using lines 216, 218, and 224 as shownin FIG. 2). Finally, in step 1108 the microcontroller facilitates thetransfer of power from the second device to the third device and thethird device receives a charge.

Returning to step 1102, when the second device coupled to the apparatusis coupled to the medium priority port, the process proceeds to step1110 after step 1102.

In step 1110, the microcontroller, boost and regulator are activated.The microcontroller can then facilitate communications with itself andthe second device and/or between the first and second devices (directlyor indirectly) after establishing corresponding communications paths. Insome embodiments, the microcontroller can also establish acommunications path between itself and the first device and thenfacilitate communications between the microcontroller and the firstdevice. In some embodiments, after communications have been establishedwith the first device (and the microcontroller and/or the seconddevice), the microcontroller can deregulate the power provided to thehighest priority port and begin to charge the first device with powerprovided by the second device.

In step 1112, a third device is coupled to the lowest priority port ofthe apparatus and, in response, the process proceeds to step 1114.

In step 1114, the microcontroller can establish one or morecommunication paths and facilitate communications between the thirddevice and the first and/or second device (via, e.g., a switch such as,for example, switch 220 of FIG. 2 or switch 302 of FIG. 3) and/orbetween the third device and the microcontroller. The apparatus can alsofacilitate the charging of the second device (via, e.g., a switch or ahard-wired connection) using power provided by the third device.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate the steps that can occur when one or more devicesare decoupled from an apparatus that was discussed herein in referenceto the embodiment of the present invention (i.e., that similar to or thesame as apparatus 200).

For the purpose of illustration, the process for removing devices beginsat step 1202 with a device coupled to each of the three ports of theapparatus. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the processshown in FIGS. 12-15 can begin at a different step (i.e., other thanstep 1202) when the first device is decoupled from the apparatus whenthere is only one or two devices coupled to the apparatus.

In step 1202, the apparatus is facilitating the transfer of power andinformation among the device as described above. A first device isdecoupled from the apparatus in step 1204. Step 1206 illustrates thatthe direction of the process can be determined in response to whetherthe first device is decoupled from the lowest priority port (e.g., port202), the medium priority port (e.g., port 204), or the highest priorityport (e.g., port 206) of the apparatus.

When the first device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, theprocess proceeds to step 1208 from step 1206. In some embodiments, atstep 1208 the microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller 214) determinesthat the first device has been decoupled from the apparatus. Themicrocontroller can determine that a device is being (or has been)decoupled from the apparatus in response to, for example, the devicesending a signal to the microcontroller (via, e.g., the lowest priorityport or wirelessly) informing the microcontroller that the device isbeing (or was) decoupled, the microcontroller no longer receivingcommunications from the device that was decoupled, the microcontrollerreceiving an indication from a user that the device is being (or was)decoupled (e.g., an eject button), another device informing themicrocontroller that the first device is no longer coupled to theapparatus (after, e.g., the device communicates to the other device thatthe device was decoupled, a charge is no longer being supplied to theother device from the device, etc.), or by any other means. One skilledin the art would understand that this determination can take placeregardless as to which port a device is decoupled from or when thedevice is decoupled (i.e., the first, second or third).

In response to the microcontroller recognizing that the first device wasdecoupled from the lowest priority port, the power provided from thelowest priority port to the higher priority ports is discontinued,thereby preventing the device coupled to the medium priority port frombeing charged, and the microcontroller ceases to facilitate allcommunications to and from the lowest priority port.

At step 1210, a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and theprocess continues in FIG. 13. Step 1302 illustrates that the directionof the process can be determined in response to which port the seconddevice is decoupled from.

When the second device is decoupled from the medium priority port, step1302 is followed by step 1304. In step 1304, the microcontroller candetermine that the second device was decoupled from the medium priorityport. In response to this determination, the microcontroller wouldrecognize that the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled tothe highest priority port and, preferably, the microcontroller willpower down all of the components of the apparatus (e.g., boost,regulator, microcontroller, etc.). This is referred to as the powereddown mode. As discussed above, in reference to FIG. 6, the powered downmode can help prevent power from being taken from the device that iscoupled to the highest priority port. Although, as noted above, in somealternative embodiments the apparatus can not automatically enter thepowered down mode (e.g., when the apparatus includes a battery, etc.).

In step 1306, a third device is decoupled from the highest priority portof the apparatus and in step 1308 the apparatus remains in the powereddown mode.

Returning to step 1302, the second device to be decoupled from theapparatus can be decoupled from the highest priority port. When thesecond device is decoupled from the highest priority port (e.g., port206), the process proceeds to step 1310 after step 1302.

In step 1310, the microcontroller determines that the second device hasbeen decoupled from the highest priority port and can cease allcommunications to highest priority port. The microcontroller can alsodecrease the power that is being provided to the highest priority port(by, e.g., regulating the power supplied by the boost) in anticipationof a device 10 being re-coupled to the highest priority port (see, e.g.,step 814 shown in FIG. 10).

In step 1312, a third device is decoupled from the lowest priority portof the apparatus. In response, the process moves onto step 1314 and theapparatus enters the powered down mode.

Returning to step 1206, the first device decoupled from the apparatuscan be decoupled from the medium priority port of the apparatus. Whenthe first device (e.g., device 210) is decoupled from the mediumpriority port, step 1206 is followed by step 1212.

In step 1212, the microcontroller can determine that there is no longera device coupled to the medium priority port. In step 1212, in responseto the determination, the microcontroller powers down the boost (e.g.,boost 240) and discontinues communications to and from the mediumpriority port. For example, the information switch (e.g., switch 220shown in FIG. 2) can be switched to couple the lowest priority port withthe highest priority port.

In step 1214, a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and theprocess advances to FIG. 14. Step 1402, which follows step 1214,illustrates that the next step of the process can be determined based onwhich port the second device is decoupled from.

When the second device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, theprocess proceeds to step 1404 in which the microcontroller determinesthat the only device coupled to the apparatus is coupled to highestpriority port and the apparatus enters the powered down mode.

In step 1406, the third device is removed from the highest priority portof the apparatus. In step 1408, with no devices coupled to theapparatus, the apparatus remains in powered down mode.

Returning to step 1402, the second device that is decoupled from theapparatus can be the device coupled to the highest priority port and theprocess proceeds to step 1410. When the second device is decoupled fromthe highest priority port, the microcontroller determines that the onlydevice coupled to the apparatus is coupled to lowest priority port. Instep 1410, communications to the highest priority port are discontinuedby the microcontroller. The microcontroller can also instruct theregulator to regulate the power provided to the highest priority port.

In step 1412, the third device is decoupled from the lowest priorityport of the apparatus. In step 1414, with no devices coupled to theapparatus, the apparatus can remain in powered down mode.

Returning to step 1206, the first device decoupled from the apparatuscan be decoupled from the highest priority port of the apparatus. Whenthe first device (e.g., device 212) is decoupled from the highestpriority port, step 1216 follows step 1206.

In response to the first device being decoupled from the highestpriority port, the microcontroller can determine that there is no longera device coupled to the highest priority port. In step 1216,communications to the highest priority port are discontinued. Themicrocontroller can also instruct the regulator to regulate the powerprovided to the highest priority port in step 1216.

In step 1218, a second device is decoupled from the apparatus and theprocess advances to FIG. 15. Step 1502, which follows step 1218,illustrates that the next step of the process can be determined based onwhich port the second device is decoupled from.

When the second device is decoupled from the lowest priority port, themicrocontroller can then determine that the only device coupled to theapparatus is coupled to medium priority port. In some embodiments, theprocess advances to step 1504. In step 1504, power is no longer providedto the medium priority port and the microcontroller discontinues thecommunications path(s) to the lowest priority port.

In step 1506, a third device is removed from the medium priority port ofthe apparatus. In step 1508, with no devices coupled to the apparatus,the apparatus remains in powered down mode.

Returning to step 1502, the second device that is decoupled from theapparatus can be the device coupled to the medium priority port. Whenthe second device is decoupled from the medium priority port of theapparatus, the microcontroller determines that the only device stillcoupled to the apparatus is coupled to lowest priority port. In someembodiments, the process advances to step 1510.

In step 1510, communications to the medium priority port arediscontinued. The microcontroller can also instruct the boost to powerdown.

In step 1512, the third device is decoupled from the lowest priorityport of the apparatus. In step 1514, with no devices coupled to theapparatus, the apparatus can remain in powered down mode.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the processes describedherein can be modified without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention. For example, any of these steps described herein can includeindicating (via, e.g., a user-interface, such as a display screen, LED,etc.) that a step was completed (successfully or unsuccessfully), that adevice is properly coupled to the apparatus, that a device is charging,what is occurring during each step (e.g., to a user, to a device, etc.),etc. As another example, the process described herein can be modifiedand applied to an apparatus that does not include all of the componentsof the apparatuses referenced by the methods described herein (e.g.,when a boost is not included in the apparatus, the process will notactivate the boost, etc.). The methods that collectively create theprocess described herein can also be modified to apply to, for example,an apparatus that includes additional components or functionality (suchas, e.g., a wireless receiver/emitter, the ability to prioritize thedevices as opposed to the ports, etc.). As another example, the order ofsteps can be rearranged in alternative embodiments. Power from acomponent (e.g., port 204), for example, can be regulated first andboosted second when a device is coupled to the apparatus that requiressuch an order of events.

One skilled in the art would also understand that in alternativeembodiments the steps in the preferred process, many of which aredescribed herein as being inherently automatic, can require an userinteraction. For example, the apparatus can not begin to facilitate thecharge to or from a device unless the user first authorizes theapparatus or device to do so (e.g., via a user interface, by interactingwith one of the devices coupled to the apparatus, etc.).

1. A method that facilitates the charging of at least one batterypowered electrical device using an apparatus comprising a first port, asecond port, a third port, a switch, a boost, and a regulator, theswitch having first, second and third inputs, and an output that iscoupled to the second port, wherein the first input is coupled to thethird port, the boost is coupled to the second input and the first port,and the regulator is coupled to the third port, the boost, and the thirdinput, the method comprising: determining whether a first device, seconddevice, or third device are electrically coupled to respective first,second, and third ports; selecting one of at least two communicationsmodes for the second device when the second device is determined to becoupled to the second port; and selectively facilitating transfer ofpower from the third port to the second port or from the first port tothe second port based on the determination of which devices are coupledand the selected communications mode, wherein selectively facilitatingtransfer of power comprises: transferring power from the third port tothe second port when only the third and second devices are coupled totheir respective third and second ports; or transferring power from thefirst port to the second port when only the first and second devices arecoupled to their first and second ports, wherein a voltage level of apower signal provided by the first port is controlled based on theselected communications mode.
 2. An apparatus that facilitates thecharging of at least one battery powered electrical device, comprising:a first port that electrically couples a first battery poweredelectrical device to the apparatus; a second port that electricallycouples a second battery powered electrical device to the apparatus; athird port operative to receive power from a third device when the thirddevice is electrically coupled to the apparatus, the third port coupledto the first port; a switch having first, second, and third inputs, thefirst input coupled to the third port, and an output coupled to thesecond port; a boost coupled to the second input of the switch and thefirst port; a regulator coupled to the third port, the boost and thethird input of the switch; and a microcontroller that: determines whenthe second device is connected to the second port; and selects thefirst, second, or third input based on whether the first device, thirddevice, or both the first and third devices are coupled to theirrespective first and third ports in response to determining that thesecond device is connected to the second port to facilitate transfer ofpower from the third port to the second port or from the first port tothe second port, wherein a voltage level of a signal provided to thesecond port determines a mode of operation for the second device.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein one of the communications modes is a USBmode.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the communications modesis a serial mode.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the voltage level ofthe power signal provided by the first port is controlled by boostingthe voltage level to a boosted voltage level, wherein the boostedvoltage level has a higher voltage level than the voltage of the powersignal provided by the first port.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thevoltage level of the power signal provided by the first port is furthercontrolled by regulating the boosted voltage level to a regulatedvoltage level, wherein the regulated voltage level is lower than theboosted voltage level but higher than the voltage level of the powersignal provided by the first port.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinselectively facilitating transfer of power comprises: transferring powerfrom the either the first port or third port to the second port when thefirst, second, and third devices are coupled to their respective first,second, and third ports, wherein power is transferred from the firstport or the third port based on the selected communications mode.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: assigning priorities to thefirst, second, and third ports.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein theboost is operative to increase a voltage level of a power signalprovided by the first port to a boost voltage level, wherein the boostvoltage level places the second device in a first mode of operation. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the regulator is operative to decreasethe boost voltage level to a regulated voltage level, wherein theregulated voltage level places the second device in a second mode ofoperation.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller isoperative to select the first input when only the second and thirddevices are coupled to respective second and third ports.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller is operative to selectthe second input when only the second and first devices are coupled torespective second and first ports.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe microcontroller is operative to select the third input when only thesecond and third devices are coupled to respective second and thirdports.
 14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller isoperative to select the second input when the first, second, and thirddevices are coupled to respective first, second, and third ports. 15.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the microcontroller is operative toselect the third input when the first, second, and third devices arecoupled to respective first, second, and third ports.
 16. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the regulator is operative to decrease the voltagelevel of a power signal provided by the third port to a regulatedvoltage level, wherein the regulated voltage level places the seconddevice in a second mode of operation.
 17. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the voltage level of a power signal provided by the third portcan place the second device in a first mode of operation.